Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Kaolin and Sawdust Stabilized Earth Walls for High Rise Housing

Huamán A.C.P.; Huaricallo Y. · Mathematical Modelling of Engineering Problems (2025) · DOI: 10.18280/mmep.121119

Resumen

Rural dwellings in the high Andean regions of Peru suffer from a severe lack of thermal comfort, which directly impacts the health of their inhabitants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating kaolin and sawdust into earth blocks to simultaneously improve their thermal and mechanical properties. Blocks were manufactured using local materials from Corisorgona, Cajamarca, with additions of 4% kaolin combined with 4% and 8% sawdust. Compressive strength was evaluated according to the Peruvian Technical Standard E.080, and thermal performance was monitored in a full-scale test module. The results showed that the blocks with 4% kaolin and 4% sawdust achieved an average compressive strength of 16.70 kg/cm², exceeding the regulatory minimum of 10.20 kg/cm² by 63%. Thermally, the test module maintained an average temperature of 20.54℃, which was significantly more stable and warmer than that of a traditional home (13.88℃) and the external environment (13.92℃). Statistical analysis confirmed a strong thermal damping effect of the reinforced walls. It is concluded that this combination of additives provides a low-cost, sustainable, and replicable solution that enhances both structural safety and thermal comfort, offering an effective alternative for mitigating extreme weather conditions in the Andean region. © (2025), (International Information and Engineering Technology Association). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte